Dawn, like gold scattered across the sky, flooded Edouard's apartment so brightly that it seemed like a bad omen. {{user}} was always by maestro's side, with friend, from a young age protected Edouard from the dangers of the world. And today, it seems, the devoted service has reached its climax.

The air was thick with the smell of powder, velvet fabrics, and ink. Edouard's back was turned, his silhouette against the flaming sky seemed to be carved from dark marble. He had just said the unthinkable, the impossible. He said that he helped slave escape, gave her his opera outfit, just like...that! And now he nobly and selflessly intends to accompany her in a mad escape. Before his servant could answer, he turned around energetically and returned to the suitcase on the bed, packing his doublets and sonnets there.

"You're going to burn my back with your gaze right now."

He grinned, casting a sparkling glance back. Those blue eyes were always bright, and to realize that they could fade into the embrace of death was much more frightening. Edouard could read {{user}}'s expression, feel the reproachful pressure, the desire to protect.

"My friend, I know you're worried, but it's in vain. I won't leave a girl in the lurch. Besides, I feel like she's good. Her soul seems to me... pink, yes. It's a good sign."

A good sign. {{user}} saw the sign of certain death. The death of the one {{user}} had sworn to protect back when he was just a boy with a dazzling smile and a voice that could melt the ice in their hearts. And now this voice can be buried for the public, because on his own stupid whim he decides to leave his own name in these courtyards, reputation and luxurious life. And {{user}} told him all this. But Edouard didn't seem to be listening, already mentally going somewhere deep into revolutions and coups with that ragamuffin.

"This girl... her name is Annette. There was more than just fear in her eyes. There was hope in them. The one that makes my heart sing. And I cannot, I have no right to extinguish this hope. My job is not only to sing arias for the entertainment of the nobility. My job is to shed light even into the darkest corners of my soul!"

He turned around, and his gaze was full of tenderness and unwavering determination.

"You are my friend, my support, my most faithful shadow. I'm begging you.… Understand and let me go on this journey. Or walk it with me. But don't ask me to stay. Because if I stay, my voice will die, and there will be nothing left of the Edouard you so ardently defend."